System for pneumatic clocks



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1. V. POPP. SYSTEM FOR PNEUMATIC CLOCKS.

No. 275,701. Patented Apr.10,1883.

8.5. Who/amv MMT l N. PETERS. PhuwLilhugmphnr, wnhingmn. D. C.

(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

V. POPP. SYSTEM FOR PNBUMATIG GLOGKS.

No, 2?'5301. Patented Apr. 10,1883.

Nv PETERS. Phono-DMW, Wnhinlim D. C.

tributing the compressed air to the clocks and vfor operating the latter, and also to certain im- UNITED STATES 'PATENT OFFICE@ VICTOR POPP, OF PARIS, FRANCE.

SYSTEM FOR PNEUMATIC CLOCKS.

April 10, l 883.

Application filed August Q4, 1880. (No model.) Patented in France February 10, 1877, No. 117.010; in Italy November Q0, 1879; in

Belgium April 29, 1880, No. 51,321; in England May 4, 1880, No.

10, 1880, and in Russia February 16, 1882, No. 1,201.

1,828; in Germany May 1380, No.13,835; in Spain September To all whom @t may concern:

Be it known that I, VICTOR PoPP, of Paris, France, have invented certain Improvements in Pneumatic Olocks and Means for Operating the Same, ot' which improvements the following is a specification.

This invention relates to apparatus for disprovements in the clocks themselves.

In the system on which the present invention is intended as animprovement the air under pressure is, by devices under the control ot' a regulator, allowed to flow into one or more pipes, by which it is conveyed to the clock or clocks. This inflow of compressed air being caused to take place at detinite intervals, usuallyeveryminnte,advancesregularlythehands on the dials, and thus distributes the time. The regulator is reduced to the role of a distributer merely, and does not, as in some earlier systems, act itself to force the air through the pipes. There are therefore two distinct operations-namely, the preliminary compression ot the air into a suitable reservoir, and the trans mission of this air rthrough the net-work of pipes by opening stop-cocks or valves at proper intervals through the medium of a regulator or governing clock. These general principles are retained in the improved system; but in the latter new or improved apparatus is employed in order that the operation may be more certain and efticient.

In order that the invention andthe manner ot' carrying the same into eft'ect may be fully understood,it will now be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which form a part ot' this specification, andin which the same letters indicatelike parts wherever they occur,

Figure lis a view in elevation, partly in section, of thedistributing-reservoir and pressureregulator therefor; Fig. 2, a similar view of motor-bellows for operating a clock pneumatically; Figs. 3 and 4, an elevation and plan, respectively, of a small pneumatic clock-movement; Fig. 5, an elevation of a larger movement adapted to prevent unauthorized advancing of the hands; Figs. 6 and 7, an elevation,

Vwith each other.

partly in section, and a horizontal section, respectively, ot' balanced slide-valve and inclosing-box for admitting the compressed air into the distributing-pipes and releasing it at'ter it has acted on the clocks; Fig. 8, aview in ele vation ol' an apparatus for distributing the compressed air among a number ot' branches; Figs. 9 and l0, an elevation and section of an electric signaling apparatus to indicate excess or loss of pressure in the pipes, and Fig. 11 a diagram ot the general arrangement ot' parts in a system. Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate, one in elevation and the other in section, two forms of apparatus for controlling` the distribution ct' compressed air by lifting or puppet valves. Fig. le is a detail sectional view.

Dstr/butt12g-reservoi1' cmd pressarc-regulator, Fig. 1.--The reservoir A receives by the pipe B the compressed air from the high-pressure reservoirs. The air takes the followingcourse: From the pipe C itpasses into the pipe D to the three-way cock E, closed for the pipe D, but putting the pipes F and B in communication From pipe D the air passes through the three-way cock G, which is open, thence through pipes H and F by three-way cock L, and then descends the pipe l, which is closed at its opposite end, but with which is connected the pipe F. rlhis is in communication by the cock E with pipe B. This lastnamed pipe conveys, as stated, the air into the reservoir A. Between pipes H and J and cock G are regulating-cocks H J', which are closed when the reservoir A contains air at the nor` mal pressure-1.7 atmospheres. The reservoir A is in communication, by the tube ct and the three-way cock b, with two manometers, M M.

lThese are connected with each other and form a pressure-regulator. They are each composed of a lower chamber, with which is connected a monometric tube, and an upper chamber connected with the lower by apipe, which extends is forced upward from the lower into the upper chamber, and, when the pressure in said reservoir is at the normal point, lifts the ioat in said upper chamber, so as to close the regulating-cocks H J. Vhen, however, the pressure in the reservoir A decreases, the mercury returns to the lower chambers, the floats descend, and the regulating-cocks are open until the pressure is restored in the reservoir. Reservoir A is also provided with a manometer, c, a pipe, N, whereby it may be directly connected with the high-pressure reservoir when necessary, and two pipes, l), which conduct the air to the distributing-valves, whence it passes into the system of distrihitting-pipes.

]l[oto1'bellotcsjor clocks, Fig. 2,-This is formed, as will be readily seen from the drawings, ot' annular-shaped pieces ot' leather-like washers connected at their edges, which are inclosed by rings of copper or other suitable metal. At its lower end is a copper disk, through which the pipe for conveying the compressed air is in communication with the interior of the bellows. At the top is a disk, which pushes against the bart'oroperatingthe clock.

Clock` movements, Figs. 3, d, and 5.-'lhe compressed air, coming from the distributingpipe, enters the cylinder d, in which works a piston, (or which serves as a guide to a bellows like that shown in Fig. 2.) The rod of this piston acts on lever c, which carries a pawhf, engaging with the ratchet-dish, which has sixty teeth, and upon the axis of which is fixed the minute-hand. Every time the compressed air enters the cylinder d, or the bellows, the ratchet-disk is advanced one tooth and advances the minute-hand. Stop-pawl lt maintains the rachet-disk in the position in which it has been placed. The pawls j' and 71 are pressed against the ratchet by the Vcounterweiglits j and h. Moreover the axis of the ratchet carries a toothed wheel,which engages with another wheehj, ot' the same diameter, on the axis ol' which is tixed a pinion, k, that cemmands the wheel l, carrying the hour-hand. ln the case ot' large clocks an evil-disposed person will be tempted to put forward the minute-hand, and in order to avoid this diflienlty the mechanism shown in Fig. 5 is adopted. The vertical arm m, attached to or made integral with the operating-lever c, carries at its upper part a projection, a, which, in the normal position--that is to say, when the piston or top of the bellows is in its lowest position-tits into a notch provided for the purpose in the stop-pawl It. In this position it is impossible to turn the wheel with sixty teeth, or, consequently, the minute-hand. When the bellows is lilled or the piston raised the lever c is also lifted and withdraws the arm m, and consequently allows the pawl h to move and permit a tooth to pass. The stop t, fixed to the plate supporting the movement, and arranged so that the counter-weighted arm ot' the pawl f strikes against it, can also be used to pre vent unauthorized advancement of the minutehand.

Balanced slide-calvo, Figs. G and 7.--The compressed air, coming from the distributing- 7o reservoir by the pipe l, enters the box Q by the oritice R. This box is provided with an orifice, S, through which air passes into the distributing-pipes, and an escape-opening, T.

When the valve Uis in the normal position 75 which is represented in the drawing, thc distributing-orifice S and the escape-opening T are in communication with each other, and the air in the t'listributing-pipes is at the same pressure as the surrounding atmosphere. the proper time the regulating-clock acts upon the valve-rod by means or' the jointed rod V and lever X, and places the valve in such position that communication between the oritices S and T is cut oii' and the inlet-opening R is 85 in communication with the distrilniting-oridce S. The compressed air then passes through the distributing-pipes and acts to advance the minute-hands ot' the various clocks. The slidevalve is then restored to its iirst position, the 9a oritices S and T are put in commuication with each other, and the compressed air escapes from the distributing-pipes. ln order to diminish the pressure ot the valve on its face,

it is constructed in the following manner: 95

from the pressure of the airon its own surt'ace fc5 diminished by that ot' the piston-that is to say, it is reduced to about one-tilth ot' what it would be if the valve were not balanced by the means indicated.

flppcmtusjor controlling thc distribution of 1ro compressed wir by lifting orpuppct calves, Figs. l2, 13, and 14a- Instead ot' the slide-valvejust described, distributing apparatus with lifting or puppet valves can be employed. This is made at the same time to serve as a startingi 15 point for a number of branch distributingpipes, which are at definite intervals put in communication with a common compressedair receiver. In the drawings two dispositions ot'realizingthis systemarerepresented. These 12o are alike so far as the construction ofthe valve mechanism and distributing apparatus is concerned. They dift'er in the mechanism for conveying the action ofthe regulating-clock. An

essential feature of both apparatus is a bar 125 carrying at the lower part a valve for putting the distrihitting-chamber in communication with the compressed-air receiver, and at its upper part a number ot' valves whose function is to open or close the discharge-pipes. Fig. l2 the operation ot' the valves is elii'ected by means ot' compressed air acting upon an Ah Sa Thepressure tending to force im:

In 13o arrangement of bellows and controlled by the regulatinglclock. In Fig. 13 the operation of the valve is effected directly by the clock itself. Referring more particularly to thislast-named figure, the compressed air enters the apparatus by the pipe A', put in communication with the distrihating-reservoir A by the cock B' and pipe'P. This cock is operated by worm-gearing C' G2, turned by a hand-wheel, U3, for pntting the system in operation or stopping it. From the pipe P the air enters the receiver D', having at its upper part the seat E' ofthe valve F'. At every minute the valve ismoved by the bar or rod G', to which are tixed the counter-weights H". The fall ofthese weights produces a sudden opening ofv the valve F'. The valve-rod G' is jointed at its upper part to a lever, J", controlled by the clock. Normally the lever J" is engaged. At the proper momentthat is to say, at every minute-it is tripped by the clock, the valve F' is suddenly opened, and the compressed-air receiver D' is put in communication with the distributingchamber K'. This chamber is provided with passages L', connected with different distributing-pipes. The air then enters the distributing-pipes and acts upon the various clocks, and a few seconds afterward a discharge takes place. For this purpose the chamber K' is provided with discharge-passages L". These are in number equal tov those marked L', and are closed by means of valves l' These valves are tixed to the bar G' and disposed in such manner that the discharge-passages are closed at the same moment that the valve F' is opened. When the clock acts upon the bar G' by means ot' lever J" to close the valve F' the valves M" are removed from their seats and the distributing-pipes in communication with the passages L are put in communication with the outer air through the distributing-chamber and discharge-passages L".

In the apparatus just described the closingot' valve F' is effected by the clock itselfl through the medium of the lever J", on which it acts directly; but in order to avoid the inconvenience which arises from this dispositionan inconvenience which consists principally in that the clock must be made to support the shock resulting from the sudden fall ot' the counter-weights H"and transmitted to it by leverJ"-thedispo sition represented in Fig. l2 is employed. In this 'the valve-rod G' is jointed to the crosspiece G", carrying two counter-weights H" and sustained at a suitable height by shoulders a' of two levers, N', pressed outward by -springs N2, of which one only is shown. At the proper moment the levers N' are moved outward by the clock through the medium ofrods N" and eccentrics O'. rlhe shoulders a' no longer snstain thecross-piece G", and the counter-weights H" fall, carrying with them the valve F' and valves M", thusputtingin communication the compressed-airreceiverand distributing-chamber and closing the discharge-passages. Other eccentrics, P', operating the three-way cocks R' through an eccentric-rod and lever-arm, put in communication, by the passages r' r2, the chamber K' with two bellows, S', of which the rods S" lit't the cross-piece G", so as to close the valve F' and open the discharge-passages. The cross-piece G" is then engaged by the levers N', the cocks R' (see the horizontal section,Fig. 14) pnt in communication the passages r2 with the atmosphere, and the bellows then collapse,in order to actanewon the crosspiece G" the next minute.

Apparatus for distributing thc cmnprcsscd ati' bet-zucca a number Q7" branches, Fig. 8.--The compressed air from the slide-valve or puppetvalve distributer arrives by the passage m in box n., which may be of cast-iron or other suitable material. With this box are connected a number of pipes provided with cocks 0 and branched beyond said cocks, as shown atp, each of the branches being provided with a separate cock or valve, q. 'lhese pipes p serve to convey the compressed air to the various clocks.

Elcctrz'c signalling apparatus, Figs. 9 and 10.-'I`his is composed ot' a glass vessel, r, in which descends a tube of the same material, s. The vessel r contains mercury, and is in communication with a distributing-pipe by the cock tand tube u. One of the poles ot' the electric battery is in communication with the vessel by mea-nsof wire c, which plunges into the mercury therein contained. In the upper part ot' the tube s is the platinum point m, con nected through the coils of the electric bell with the other pole ofthe battery. In the vessel r is another platinum point, 0c', also connected with the bell and same pole ot' battery as When the distributing-pipe is in communication with the compressed-air receiver the pressure in this receiver is transmitted to the mercury ot' the signaling apparatus and causes it to ascend the tube s. When, on the contrary, the distributing-pipe is in communication with the external air, the mercury inthe tube s descends into the vessel r. In the normal operation the mercury does not ascend in the tube s tar enough to make contact with w, nor does it descend into the vessel i' sufliciently to make contact with the point 0c'. It', however, the pressure in the distributing-pipe becomes too great, the mercury mounts higher in the tube s, and, by making contact with the platinum point m, causes the bell 'to ring and announce that the operation is not proceeding properly. 1t', on the other hand, the distributing-plpe should become broken from any cause, the mercury in the column s would descend continuously and ll the vessel fr, so as to make contact with the point zc', and thus ring the bell. At the upper part of.' the tube s is a cap, y. (See Fig. 10.) The platinum point 0c passes through a stufiing-box. Besides the opening for the rod x, there are in the capy two openings, y' y2. 1n the trst is a screw forming an obstruction and arranged to close more or less completely the opening y',

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so as to allow to the external air a passage more or less free, and thus regulate the descent of the mercury in the tube s. The screw should be so adjusted that the mercury ascends and descends once a minute, the ascent corresponding to the pressure in the distributing-pipes and the descent to its escapeinent. 1n the second opening, y2, is a spring-valve, e', which allows the air contained in the tube s to escape readily when the mercury ascendsthat is to say, during` the time of the pressure in the distributing-pipes. The raising of this valve is regulated by the screw e2. It will be seen, therefore, that if the distributing-pipes should be broken the mercury would continue to descend the tube s, because the external air could always enter the tube by the opening y', and the mercury would seek the saine level as in the vessel i', whereas while the distributiiig-pipe remains whole suflicient time would not be allowed for the mercury to descend entirely into the vessel Ir or sufliciently to make contact with the platinum point m.

General cmrcmgemcnt of the system, Fig. 11.- The air from the pumps 1 passes into the highpressure reservoirs 2 3. Each of the pipes lfrom the pumpsis in communication with both reservoirs by means of pipes 5, provided with threeway cocks 4. A pipe,6, provided with cocks 34 39, also connects the two reservoirs. With a second pipe, 7, is connected a pipe, S, which itselt'may be put in communication with the interior of reservoir A by means ot' cross-pipe and cocks 9, 10, and 11, 9 being a three-way cock. With the cross-pipe are connected pipes 12 13, which lead to slide-valves 14 15. From these valves pipes 16 17 extend to the distributing apparatus 18, by which the air is divided among a number ot' branches. With one of these branches the signaling apparatus is shown connected. The slide-valves are controlled by regulating-clocks placed at 19. The air from the two reservoirs 2 3 can be and is usually carried by pipes 29 21, threeway cocks 22, regulating-cocks 29 30, controlled by the two inanometers forming the pressureregulator, and thence by pipes 45 46, th ree-way cock 23, pipe 44, cock 31, and pipe 23 into reservoir A. 'lwo other pipes, 24 25, can be made to put the reservoirs 2 3 into direct communication with reservoir A, the first directly by pipe 26, the second through pipe 27 and pressure-regulating apparatus.

The operation is as follows, the reservoir A serving as the distributcr, and reservoirs 2 3 receiving the air from pumps 1: Cocks 34 and 39 of pipe 6 are open, putting the reservoirs 2 3 in communication with each other. Cock 9 at reservoir A is then shut. Cocks 37 and 42 of pipe 21 are open, and the compressed air passes into reservoir A by cocks 37 42, pipes 21 20., cock 22, regulating-cocks 29 30, pipes 45 46, cock 23, pipe 44, (cocks 38 and 43 being closed,) cock 31, and pipe 23. Cocks 35, 46, 36, 41, and 9 are shut, and reservoir A is now in communication with reservoirs 2 3 through the pressure-regulator. From reservoir A the compressed air passes, through the cocks 1() 11, pipes 12 13, into the boxes ot' slide-valves 14 15. It it should be desired to niake one ot' the reservoirs 2 or 3 serve as a distribnter, (suppose 3, for examp1e,) it would be necessary to put this reservoir in communication with pipes 12 and 1.3,whicli extend to the slide-valves. This would be accomplished by closing the cock 35 and opening cock 40 ot' pipe 7, closing cocks 10 and 11, and opening cock 9. It would also be necessary to put the reservoir 3 in communication with the pressure-regulator, which would he accomplished by closing cock 42 of pipe 21, opening cock 37, clos- 'ing cocks 3L 38, and opening 43 ot' pipe 25.

It is evident thatv it would be necessary, by means otI cock 4, to break the communication ot' the pumps with reservoir 3 and to close cocks 34 and 39 of pipe 6. The air would then take the following course: reservoir 2, cock 37, pipe 21, pipe 20, cocks 22 30 2l', pipes 45 46, cock 28, pipes 27 25, and cock 43 to reservoir 3, thence by cock 4.6, pipe. 7, (cock 35 being closcd,) pipe S, cock 9, pipes 12 13, and slide-valves 14 15, (cocks .l0 and 11 being closed.)

Moreover, by opening and closing the proper cocks the reservoir A might he made to serve as a high-pressure reservoir, and might be put in communication with one oi the other ot' reservoirs 2 3, the second of said reservoirs serving as a distributer.

It is obvious that various modifications may be made in the construction and disposition of' the several parts in their forms, materials, and dimensions without departing from the spirit of this invention. In place ot' an electric bell, other signaling indicator or signaling` devices could be used.

Having thus explained the said invention, and the manner ot' carrying the same into el'- t'ect, what l claim is A 1. A pneumatic-clock system comprising, in combination with the clocks and the air-distributing pipes, the following elements, to wit the high-pressure reservoir, the distributing-reservoir, the automatic pressure-regulator for controlling the tiow of air from the high-pressure to the distributing reservoir, so as to maintain constant the pressure in tlielattcr, and the valve apparatus controlled by a master clock or regulator for opening and closing at regular intervals the communication between the distributing -reservoir and the distributingpipes, siibstantialiy as described.

2. In combination with the clocks and distributing-pipes of a pneumatic-clock system, the high-pressure reservoir, the distributingreservoir, and the pressure-regulator, comprising the two inanonieters communicating with the distributing-reservoir, and provided with separate tloats controlling each a valve in a pipe connecting the high-pressure with the distributing reservoir, substantially as ile-- scribed.

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3. The combination, in a pneumatic clock, ot' l the ratchet-disk, the impulse-pawl, the stoppawl, and the antomaticlocking device for engaging and holding the stop-pawl during the retreat of the impulse-pawl and for releasing it as the latter advances, substantially as described.

4. A balanced slide-valve operated or controlled by a master clock or regulator, in combination with a reservoir of compressed air, distributing pipes and cocks for supplying air to the pneumatic clocks, said valve being arranged to open and close at intervals the communication through said pipes between said reservoirs and the said clocks, substantially as described.

5. In a pneumatic-clock system, the combination, with a reservoir of com pressed air, of a distributing-chamber connected with said reservoir, a series of distributing-pipes provided with regulating-cocks and communicating with saidchamber, and valves controlled by a regulator-clock, for admitting the flow of' compressed air into said pipes at definite intervals, substantially as described.

6. An electric indicator comprising a pressurechamber and tube for containing mercury, an inlet for admitting air into said chamber,

a conductor for establishing normally an electrical connection with the mercury in said chamber and tube, a contact for completing the circuit through the mercury when the latter rises in the tube, and a second contact for completing a circuit when the mercury falls in the tube and rises in the chamber, substantially as described.

7. The combination, with the distributinglpipes ot a. pneumatic-clock system and the mechanism for forcing or admitting at intervals air under pressure into said pipes, of

electrical signaling apparatus operated by an abnormal increase or decrease of pressure in said pipes, substantially as described.

8. The combination, with two or more reservoirs and the air compressors or pumps, of a pressure-regulator and system ot' pipes Whereby either of said reservoirs may receive the air directly from the compressors or indirectly through the other reservoir and the pressureregulator, substantially as described.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name in the presence ot' two subscribing witnesses.

VICTOR POPP.

Witnesses:

Geo. H. ScrDMoRE, UH. MARDELET. 

